Ancient & Honorable

What emblem(s) does our Masonic study tell us that the lambskin or white leather apron is more ancient than? What emblem(s) does our Masonic study tell us that the lambskin or white leather apron is more honorable than? Why are these emblems chosen to portray Masonic antiquity? What is the Golden Fleece? What is the Roman Eagle? What is the Star or Garter?

The Golden Fleece. The Roman Eagle. The Star or Garter.

The Golden Fleece. In Greek mythology, the Golden Fleece is the wool of a golden winged ram Chrysomallas, sired by Poseidon, Greek god of the sea and other waters. The fleece symbolizes authority or kingship. It is a chief figure in the tale of the hero Jason and The Argonauts, who set out to recover the fleece by order of King Pelias in order for Jason to reclaim his rightful throne. The fleece was hung on an oak tree in a grove that was sacred to Ares, Greek god of war, and guarded by bulls with hoofs of brass and breath of fire. It was also guarded by sharp dragon teeth, which when planted in the ground turned to soldiers.

In 1429, The Order of the Golden Fleece was established by Philip III, Duke of Burgundy, to serve as an order of knighthood throughout Austria and Spain. Knights of this order served to protect the interest of the Roman Catholic Church. The fleece was selected to represent the order as it was the staple commodity of the region at the time.

The Roman Eagle. The Roman Eagle or Aquila was used in ancient Rome, usually on the standards of the Roman Legion. The eagle symbolized power, courage, strength and immortality but was also considered to be the messenger of the mythological gods and king of the skies. The loss of a standard bearing the Aquila was considered an extreme offense and the Roman Legion would go to great lengths to protect or recover it. Even after the adoption of Christianity, the eagle played an important role in Roman culture. It was later modified into a double-headed eagle to represent the Empires dominance over both the East and the West.

Star or Garter. The Most Noble Order of The Garter is the oldest and most senior chivalric order in Great Britain. It was established circa 1348, by King Edward III of England. The organization is dedicated to the patron saint of England, St. George. Membership in the order is limited to the Sovereign, Prince of Wales, no more than 24 companion members and various supernumerary members, all of which can only be appointed by the Monarch. One popular legend of the origin of the order says that as the Countess of Salisbury was dancing, her garter slipped from her leg. As the court laughed, the king returned it to her and said, “Shame on him who thinks this evil.” This phrase has since been adopted as the motto of the order. Another legend says that King Edward III was inspired by a vision on the battlefield of St. George, or even through the legends of King Arthur. The star was first introduced in the 17th century and insignia of the order depicts the shield of St. George encircled by the garter. Every year in June, an annual Garter Day procession is held in which the Queen and her knights march in their velvet robes, insignia and plumed hats to St. George’s Chapel where a service is held and any new companions are installed.